Page 281

"I still am."

"I've always been on your side."

Her smile faded into something softer.

"I know."

Without thinking, our hands found each other.

Neither of us even realized it.

Until...

Wolf walked back upstairs.

He stopped.

Looked at our joined hands.

Then looked at Trigger.

"I owe you twenty bucks."

Trigger grinned.

"I told you it wouldn't take long."

Judy jerked her hand away.

"Oh, my gosh."

"We weren't..."

Wolf held up both hands.

"Don't explain."

"I think everybody in Eagle River already knows."

33

MACE

No one spoke.

The rain tapped softly against the library windows while Judy rested the small metal box in the center of the long oak table.

Max lay at her feet.

His ears were still up.

Still listening.

Still watching.

Whatever he'd sensed outside hadn't left my mind.

Neither had Judy.